Roses are red, violets are blue, estate planning is the ultimate way of saying "I love you" (now and forever).
Ok, so writing a will might not seem as romantic as a candlelit dinner, or a sentimental greeting card but if you really want to show your love in a meaningful way gathering up all your fears and trepidation and sitting down to do your estate plan is the ultimate gift for couples.
A will is so much more than a legal document - it's a declaration of care and responsibility. It ensures your partner, children, pets, and other loved ones are looked after according to not just your wishes but theirs also.
I like to think of estate planning like marriage counselling or life coaching in reverse.
Together we sit down (candlelight is optional) and talk about all the things that make your relationship unique and special, the things you do for each other and what you'd want life to look like for the person left behind if you were to die suddenly.
Sure, it's hard to talk about some of those things. It's hard to make plans. It's hard to think about the person you rely on emotionally, physically or financially not being there. But death is also hard.
What's even harder is when you leave it for the other person to figure out on their own. That is not love.
Nothing says 'I love you' like an estate plan.
More than one person has told me estate planning with Your Estate Lawyer was way sexier than they thought it would be (but maybe they were inferring that I'm sexier than they imagined a death lawyer to be - who knows?!).
I've been told estate planning has changed relationships and others have told me it was one of the best dates they've ever had with a third wheel.
I can't promise high romance but I can assure you, together we'll
❤️ Figure out ways you can protect each other if 'death do you part'
❤️ Making sure your kids, pets and other important people are taken care of
❤️ Sharing what kind of funeral you want and where to stash your ashes
❤️ Making a note of what belongings you'd come back from the dead to pull out of a skip
❤️ Making sure people you don't feel the love for aren't going to get your assets
Above everything you'll remind each other how important you are to each other and how you've got each other's backs in life and death.
Love is estate planning.
Want some ideas for how to tell your beloved you've made an estate planning appointment as their Valentine's Day gift?!
Some people give jewellery, some give chocolates.. only a true romantic gives legally binding documents!
I love you so much I've made an appointment with Your Estate Lawyer so when I'm gone you won't have anyone to argue with - especially not lawyers!
This year I'm giving you an estate planning appointment with Your Estate Lawyer instead of chocolates; it's sugar-free, stress-free, and comes with a side of funny.
Roses are red, violets are blue, an appointment to write our wills, is the ultimate way of saying 'I love you'!
Additional resources:
Free Wills Cost More Than You Think
10 Things To Do Before You Die
Why A Personal Asset Plan Is The Best Gift You Can Give Your Family